Initially, the idea and purpose of Pretty Petty Parent was to share my life as a mom and teacher. Procrastination, fear and sometimes plain old forgetfulness prevented any progress I wanted to make. I felt that no one would be interested in anything I had to say. I also worried about not having enough time. Time management is difficult as a mom with a regular 9 to 5. Add in the responsibilities as a wife, and I barely had time for myself.
Just when I decided to get started (thanks to my sister for the push), my marriage blew up in my face. One innocent joke about laundry turned into a month of him giving me the silent treatment, then to him literally putting me out of the martial home. This particular post is not about that incident. I need time to work on that one. I’m trying to avoid litigation.
Since the dust has settled some, I have been conversing with quit a few interested and eligible suitors. Some of them ineligible if you get what I’m saying. All of them are vastly different from each other. Thinking about dating again has been rather exhausting, especially because I’m not ready. My sister gave me some advice on what to do when I am ready. She said, “make a list of what you’re looking for in a man.” I have not created such a list, but I do have a list of qualities I know I don’t want. This “Anti List” is based on what I have experienced with THE EX (AKA The Mitch rhymes with…) and some of the men I have spoken to over the last five months.
For those 40+:
1. No married men: If your wife still believes you are her husband, you are NOT the man for me.
2. His living room/bedroom furniture should match: Buy new furniture.
3. His living room/bedroom furniture should not be broken: Again, buy new furniture or at least fix it.
4. No smokers of ANYTHING: It doesn’t bother me if someone smokes weed. The man who will be around my children will not.
5. He can’t be a weed farmer: Marijuana is still illegal in GA and I don’t do incarceration.
6. He can’t be filthy: No part of your home should look like it hasn’t been cleaned since you moved in. This includes kitchen appliances.
7. He cannot throw hissy fits: If I don’t call or text you back as soon as you think I should, calling me a liar and sending the Pinocchio emoji will ensure I’ll never contact you again in life.
8. He can’t be a liar: Self-explanatory.
9. He can’t know as many make-up tips as I do: Beware the man who uses eyeliner to fill in his beard. The Mitch did that.
10. He can’t iron on the bed: Dude, get an ironing board.
This list is far from finished. I suspect more will be added as I get to know different people. The next step is to make the list of qualities I do want. That will happen in time. What’s on your “Anti List?”
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